Firefighters from Sark and Guernsey have rushed to tackle what is believed to be one of the largest fires in recent memory.
Fire firefighters from Guernsey were injured travelling to the scene, though none of the injuries are life threatening, according to a spokesperson.
Sark Fire and Rescue told Express that the fire had taken over multiple fields near the Silver Mines, on the south of the adjoining island of Little Sark, and that it was “mainly scrub that is catching fire”.
A spokesperson added that the fire had thankfully missed two nearby houses so far.
As of 17:30 on Friday the fire was “under control and fire crews will continue to dampen down”, with no expectation it would spread further, a spokesperson said.
A source on Sark said that firefighters had “never had to fight a fire this large on Sark”.
Express understands that firefighters from the main island of Guernsey have been sent to assist.
This fire comes after a period of extreme dry weather, with Guernsey Fire and Rescue reminding locals about the dangers of wildfires, as recently as earlier this week.
Injured firefighters
Sark and Guernsey’s fire services issued a joint statement on Friday evening, shortly after 17:00/
A spokesperson said the fire services had “deployed firefighters to assist the multi-agency response in tackling a gorse fire on Little Sark, which started this morning”.
The fire was believed to “cover an area of approximately 20,000 msq”, at that time.
The spokesperson added: “No properties are currently affected by the fire, and water jets are in position to protect those buildings if needed.
“Unfortunately, five firefighters from Guernsey were injured shortly after arriving in Sark, while travelling to assist at the scene.
“All five have been assessed by Sark doctor and first responders as having non-life-threatening injuries.”
Guernsey Ambulance & Rescue supported with the response, sending the Flying Christine III to Sark with a medical crew and incident officer on board, they added.
The firefighters were transferred to Guernsey’s Emergency Department, via the marine ambulance, for further treatment.
“Two road ambulances, a patient transfer vehicle and operational commander were waiting for them at St Peter Port harbour to transfer them to the Princess Elizabeth hospital.
“Additional firefighters have been deployed to Sark on board the Flying Christine III to maintain the emergency response.
“Guernsey Harbours’ workboat ‘Sarnia’ is also on scene at Port Gorey, Little Sark and is assisting with firefighting efforts from the water. The Guernsey Coastguard drone unit is also deployed on scene and is providing aerial surveillance of the fire.
“Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service has now assumed command of the fire operation, working alongside Sark Fire and Rescue Service and local volunteers, who deployed to tackle the initial blaze.
“The current north/north easterly wind direction means that the fire is not expected to spread, as it is blowing out to sea.
“We would like to thank the emergency services, volunteers and island community for their support and assistance during this challenging incident. All agencies worked well together to respond to those affected by the incident.
“Our thoughts remain with our injured colleagues, and our hopes are for a full and speedy recovery.”
